Pine for the Riviera: Exploration of the once understated but now ambitious Tuscan coastal town
New Luxury Boutique Hotel La Roqqa Opens in Monte Argentario
In the heart of Tuscany, Italy, a new luxury boutique hotel has officially opened its doors to guests. La Roqqa, located in the picturesque village of Porto Ercole on the Monte Argentario peninsula, is a stunning terracotta building that pays homage to Italian design greats.
The hotel, which started as a purchased holiday home by the Swedish family behind ABBA Voyage two decades ago, has been transformed into a five-star boutique property. With a strong emphasis on glamour and design, La Roqqa offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, hilltop fortresses, and a private beach club with complimentary sunloungers and parasols.
The interior of La Roqqa is a testament to Italian art and furniture, with pieces by Gaetano Pesce, Cassina, and Flos adorning the space. The rooftop Scirocco restaurant serves local, seasonal dishes, including its signature spaghetti agli otto pomodoro.
As part of its development plan, La Roqqa has revitalized an old building, blending historical charm and modern luxury. The hotel is aimed at beach lovers and those exploring the surrounding Maremma landscape and national park. It is also associated with Small Luxury Hotels and connected to the nearby Isolotto Beach Club.
La Roqqa is a firm, angled red building located on a hair-pin bend overlooking Porto Ercole. Its boutique-y, mid-century design is a stark contrast to the more classic Hotel Torre di Cala Piccola in Porto Santo Stefano, the other main village of Monte Argentario. None of the hotels owned by the Jonssons, who also own four properties in Monte Argentario, will have more than 60 rooms.
The price of rooms at La Roqqa starts from €435 on a bed and breakfast basis and includes access to Isolotto Beach Club. Local feedback concerning La Roqqa has been very positive, but there was initial backlash to the factory conversion. To address this, a new Italian architect has been brought in to re-mastermind the project.
Monte Argentario, with its natural beauty, culture, and well-kept towns, was chosen by the Jonssons for their unique holiday homes. The area was once a popular destination for luminaries such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Slim Aarons, and David Bowie in the mid 20th century. However, it fell out of popularity compared to St Tropez, Capri, and Spetses. With the opening of La Roqqa, Monte Argentario is once again becoming a sought-after destination for luxury travellers.
References:
- La Roqqa
- The Telegraph
- Design Boom
- Conde Nast Traveller
- Luxury seekers and design enthusiasts can now appreciate the blend of Italian lifestyle, home-and-garden design, and travel, as they unwind in the deluxe surroundings of La Roqqa, a boutique hotel in the heart of Monte Argentario.
- Post-renovation, La Roqqa's travel-inspiring ambience extends beyond its individual accommodations, inviting guests to explore various attractions such as the surrounding Maremma landscape and national park, and even taking a quick trip to nearby Isolotto Beach Club, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and adventure-seeking travelers.
